A dental cyst is an abnormal sac filled with fluid, air or other material that can form around a tooth or in the jawbone. They are often caused by an infection, trauma, or genetics. Treatment for a dental cyst usually involves draining the cyst and removing the affected tooth or tissue.
What Causes a Dental Cyst?
Dental cysts are most often caused by an infection in the tooth or jawbone. They can also form after a traumatic injury or due to a genetic condition.
Symptoms of a Dental Cyst
The most common symptom of a dental cyst is a swelling in the affected area. This swelling may be painful and it may cause pressure on the surrounding teeth and tissue. Other symptoms can include an abscess, or a pus-filled pocket that develops near the cyst, and bad breath.
Diagnosis of a Dental Cyst
Your dentist will likely perform a physical exam and take X-rays to determine if a cyst is present. They may also take a sample of the fluid in the cyst to analyze it for any signs of infection.
Treatment of a Dental Cyst
Treatment for a dental cyst usually involves draining the cyst and removing the affected tooth or tissue. In some cases, the tissue around the cyst may need to be surgically removed. If the cyst is caused by an infection, antibiotics may also be prescribed.
